Jagannathan leads domain-level AI and machine learning applications for cloud transformations, drives initiatives in supporting the domain strategy to accelerate innovation and mentors product teams to deliver custom digital cloud-native solutions. She loves to build products with a purpose, and her biggest passions are sustainability and AI ethics — she’s currently involved in a project at the intersection of climate and tech, contributing to McKinsey’s efforts to accelerate decarbonization. Usha is a DEI advocate and spearheads the apprenticeship program to increase industry diversity.

Cesar Perez took an unconventional route to McKinsey. He spent nearly a decade as a musician before he pivoted to engineering. After attending a coding bootcamp, he joined McKinsey, where he now develops its client file-sharing platform. But he’s not finished learning. “With the help of my professional development coach, I’ve identified my professional goals and developed a plan to achieve them,” said Perez. One such pursuit was his AWS Solutions Architect certification, which he completed with the resources provided by the firm.

As a W. E. B. Du Bois enthusiast, Melvin Hughes was thrilled to facilitate a fireside chat on the subject through his work with the McKinsey Black Network. “This event introduced me to the connection between the data-gathering methods of Du Bois and how they influence today’s methods,” he said. “It allowed me to combine my passion for Black history, tech and analytics.” Hughes enjoys the full spectrum of diversity he sees at McKinsey, and appreciates that the firm is committed to creating an environment where Black colleagues can advance, connect and grow.